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Arrival
The arrival into Denmark was met with a hot, sweltering sun. Our team had arrived 2 days prior to the trek, with much needed time to adjust any potential jetlag. We all had just taken a 15-18hours flight, from our respective home country in Asia.
The Day Before
Image credit : Kane
Rather than taking the Fjällräven's buses, our team had arranged our own transport, so we had done our initial registration and check-in in Bjørnemose Gods before heading to the 2nd location.
The day before the trek, we stayed at the Faldsled Strand Camping. It was about a 10 minutes walk to the starting from there. We did arrive just in time for the Fjällräven's Warm-up Camp.
Many participants were pitching their tents, however we had managed to book the lodges and what met us was a picturesque IKEA icon. Big enough to fit 6 people per lodging, with its own kitchen and shower room. A real luxury as compared to the upcoming sleeping mat that awaits us. There were quite a few activities people could do, we saw some went to have a swim at the lake, while others were relaxing around the common area.
After having some Mexican nachos from a food truck, and grabbing some drinks at the campsite's store, we all head back to have an early night. Afterall, we will be trekking at 0900 the next day.
Day One - The beginning
Image credit : Kane
What stood out was the amount of food selection. It's comparable with the other Classic, and what was truly unique was the portable coffee and tea. There were also fruits available for us to take.
Like any other event, there was a queue for weighing your backpack before you started. The weather was clear and we saw quite a number of babies and strollers.
The checkpoint on day one was serving free meatball. I have forgotten the name of the dish, please forgive me, but it was superbly delicious, especially after walking 15KM. There was also a booth beside it run by residents, selling sodas and cakes.
Image credit : Guy
Unfortunately, I did not have cash with me, so I passed on that and focused on the free meatball, while preparing to cook my "Japanese ramen" flavored dry food instead.
Oh, and did i mention we were all resting in someone's backyard? The toilet was located in their home. That was very sweet of them.
The campsite was huge. Everyone had to adhere to a 3 meter away from each other rules. You needed to wait for the "guides" to tell you were you could pitch your tent. There was Yoga planned for the day.
Quick tip : Have cash on you, even if you are travelling as a team.
Day Two - 3 for 1 weather
Image credit : Kane
Day two was a mix of everything. It was sunny, rainy, and probably one of the windiest days I have ever experienced. We don’t get gusts that strong where I come from.
What was the balance between challenge and calm? The challenge was the distance, and the calm was the trail. This comes from a person who does not have any equivalent natural landscape where she is from.
Although it was mostly, if not entirely, flat, the 72 km was still no small feat. We crossed muddy terrain when it rained, walked endless stretches of tarmac road that were hard on the knees, and at one point trudged beside the sea along the coastline while wind and rain hammered down on us relentlessly.
I accidentally stepped into a puddle and soaked through my shoes. After 1 or 2 km in, I could not take the cold feet (or squishy sound) anymore. I had to find a spot to sit down and squeeze the water out of my socks. There was no point changing into a new dry pair of socks; they would have gotten wet in minutes as the boots were wet as well.
Another quick tip? Not really, just be careful. However, at the checkpoint I did see someone resort to wearing an extra layer of plastic/zip-lock over their socks once they changed, to prevent them from getting soaked by the shoes. Perhaps food for thought.
It was a downpour when we reached the checkpoint. Everyone was trying to huddle under any shelter we could find. There were several buildings, but not enough to fit everyone. There was a queue for chairs, even though most of us had our own.
I saw some just sitting out in the rain, and I admire their tenacity to brave the rain. It was really cold out, with the rain and the wind. It would have been a perfect place to hang out and have some lunch if the sun had been out.
For my meal, I chose the “Asian Curry” flavor dry food from Turmat. It was really good. Trust me, I’m Asian. That, or I was just very hungry from the weather and distance. There was a kettle for everyone to use, so we did not have to take out our stoves to boil water.
Toilets were available onsite, and they had running water and a dryer, really good if you needed some warmth. There were quite a lot of cubicles as well.
After about an hour of rest, we set off again, in the rain. It was predicted to stop around 3 or 4 p.m.
At one point, it was nothing but a muddy path, really slippery and with quite a thick layer of mud. I walked past several participants and could not figure out how they were keeping their trousers so clean. Maybe there was some hidden technique no one was talking about. Luckily, I was wearing zip-off trousers; before retiring into my tent, I zipped off the bottom half and went into my tent, free of dried mud.
Once we reached the campsite, there were activities planned. There was campfire huddling, some singing, and roasting marshmallows.
If anyone were to ask how strong the wind was, unfortunately, I did not have the number. However, picture this: while you are setting up your tent, which normally you could do by yourself, this time the wind was so strong that it required a six-person team effort to put up a three-person tent, lest someone get blown away. Someone almost did. No amount of pegging the sides to the ground helped. You either set up camp before the wind comes, or get a group of people to help.
Tip of the day: Beware of the wind.
Day Three - the final stretch
Image credit : Kane
Day three took us along more tarmac roads as we passed people’s houses, car parks, and even went through the town to reach the finish line.
The wind was still relentless, but the sun gave us much-needed warmth as we took our break at the checkpoint near the harbor.
Some of our teammates didn’t take dry food for their lunch the previous night. We had just assumed we could find a place to eat along the way.
We did pass by a lot of houses, but not any eateries. Thankfully, after the checkpoint, since we were walking into town, there were cafés to be found.
In the final 2 km before the finish line, there was a burger and ice-cream shop. Our team stopped there and waited for the rest of our team to catch up. It was a good gathering spot, on the left was an open field, and on the right, you could still see the river. This shop was just up ahead, after the “70 km” trail marker.
I can’t remember what time it was when we crossed the finish line, but as you walk towards the end, there is a group of volunteers ready to cheer for you.
What awaited us at the end were people celebrating, food trucks, beers, shower trailers, and of course, our “medal of honor” (the patches and pins customary with all Fjällräven Classic events).
There was also a merchandise booth where you could buy souvenirs to commemorate the accomplishment of completing the trail: T-shirts, mugs, jackets, all embroidered with the “Fjällräven Classic Denmark” logo.
Tip of the day: Take lunch and enjoy every moment on the last day.
Humanness of the experience
Beyond the trek itself, I found meaning in the journey with others. Even when we were not chatting, the silent encouragement, care, and help exchanged between strangers made the experience deeply heartwarming.
For instance, while we were getting through the muddy area, a lady was seemingly recovering from having slipped and fell, and a man was helping her. We tried to wait for them to go ahead, but they let us pass first.
Just up ahead, at the side of the pathway there was a small mud-free spot to rest.
I was taking a break there when the lady and the man caught up. She was taking time to compose herself. The muddy journey had not ended yet, and while she was talking with us, she cautioned, “you go first, I’ll feel better if you walk first,” in that moment, the conversation had hinted perhaps seeing someone else take on the path ahead would gave her a form of respite — or maybe it was nothing of sorts. However I would like to think it meant as a form of encouragement.
I had not done anything special, but it was touching to see that others could draw encouragement simply from watching a stranger try.
This is the part people rarely talk about
When you are challenged, maybe seeing someone else move forward can inspire you to try as well, and when you are trying, maybe the belief of a stranger in you would give you the strength to continue.
That is what makes Fjällräven Classic feel like Fjällräven Classic. You will never feel it as a competition, and we, the participants, are all in this journey together. Yes, there is a end goal to reach, but along the way, you help others and are encouraged in return.
Coming back from a trip in nature, not only are you rejuvenated, there is also a new internalized monologue of believing your own capabilities to overcome uncertainties.
What I Learned - Practicality wise
Image credit : Kane
The experience also taught me a lot about pacing. If you are a slow walker, it helps to start at the front.
Even if you fall behind your teammates, you will not be too far away from them. Pacing matters too. When you are tired, you will slow down, and that is alright. This is not a competition, so take the rest you need.
Fjällräven Classic Denmark is the kind of event that rewards you for staying present. That matters especially if you come from a hyper connected and dense society. Being offline is rare.
If anyone is considering it, I would still recommend having a decent level of fitness. Realistically, it is a 72KM trek that has to be completed in three days. For a first-timer, it is still doable, but prior trekking experience will make the walk, the meals, and even the sleep more comfortable and enjoyable.
Closing Reflection
The mud experience is a memory I keep going back to. The good times allow you to trek peacefully, but the uncertainties and challenges are what makes experiences uniquely memorable.
I started Fjällräven Classic Denmark not knowing what to expect, and now, i walk away with memories to share with my friends and family.
For more future Classic information, head on over to : https://experience.fjallraven.com/
Items used during the trek
Day Time Apparel
- Abisko Wool LS W
- Abisko Hike Zip-off Trs W (Alterative : Abisko Trail Stretch Trousers W)
Night Time Apparel
-
Abisko Wool LS W)
- Bergtagen Merino 190 LJ W (Alternative : Any Wool Base Layer)
Rain/Wind/Insulation Layer
- Keb GTX Jacket W
- Keb GTX Trousers W (Alternative : Any waterproof trousers)
-
Keb Fleece Hoodie W
Accessories
- Kajka X-Lätt 45 S/M
- Rain Cover Lätt 45-55
- High Coast Pocket
- Abisko Lite 3
- Abisko 2 season Regular sleeping bag
- Sea to summit Aeros Ultralight pillow
- Foam Sleeping Mat
- Headlamp (not needed as sun set after 9PM , rise after 5AM)
Shoes
- Hoka Kaha 3
- Teva Hydratrek Sandals
- Mid-length wool hiking socks
